President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the families of victims of cerebrospinal meningitis, CSM, which has ravaged many states in the northern part  of the country and led to the death of hundreds of people.

Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, conveyed the President’s message when he paid a condolence visit to areas affected by the outbreak in Danchadi village and surrounding areas in Bodinga local government area of the state.

Latest figures indicate that 41 persons have died as a result of CSM in Sokoto alone.

The Governor said: “Our leader and President, Muhammadu Buhari, has asked me to condole with all of you over the outbreak of the disease in your localities.

“He has also asked me to tell you that everything is being done to contain the outbreak and ensure it does not occur again.

“Health officials have been deployed to affected areas and they have been working round the clock to ensure your safety.

“We urge you to follow their instructions and at the same time cooperate with them as we tackle this challenge,” he added.

Governor Tambuwal noted that more than 700,000 people will be immunized by the state government against the Type C strain of the virus in the 23 local government areas of the state.

He further said that immunization against other child-killer diseases like measles and yellow fever are being intensified, as officials from affected states are comparing notes to ensure coordinated efforts across borders.

The Governor also commended officials of the Federal and State ministries of health as well as development partners for being proactive in tackling the challenge.

Statistics from the federal ministry of health as at Sunday, April 2, showed that a total of 328 people have died from the recent outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis in 16 states of the federation.

On ways to prevent contracting the disease, Nigerians are advised to“avoid overcrowding, sleep in well ventilated places, avoid close and prolonged contact with cases, proper disposal of respiratory and throat secretions, strict observance of hand hygiene, reduce hand shaking,kissing, sharing utensils or medical intervention such as mouth resuscitation.”

Citizens are also advised to avoid self-medication, and to take relevant stereotype vaccination for meningococcal.